Small business finance consultant

Sole traders, small limited companies, start-ups and community groups that don't have a finance director.

Day or hourly rate, fixed fees for projects such as a forecast or funding pack, or a monthly retainer for regular reviews.

• Strong with numbers and spreadsheets
• Plain-English explaining
• Background in finance, accounting or banking helps

• Advice on investments, pensions, mortgages or insurance is regulated by the FCA, so check what you can and can't say before you start
• Check whether your services mean you need to register for anti-money laundering supervision
• Professional indemnity insurance in case your advice causes a client loss
• Check whether you need to register with the ICO because you handle client data
• Working from home may need permission from a landlord or mortgage lender

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £300 to £2,000, depending on the software, insurance and website or marketing you choose, and whether you need any extra training or qualifications.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around £1,000 to £5,000, depending on how many clients you take on and what you charge. Revenue is not the same as profit, and your costs will vary.

Check that advice on investments, pensions, mortgages or insurance is FCA-regulated before you speak about it. Also check anti-money laundering supervision, ICO registration for client data, professional indemnity insurance and home-working permissions.